Against fate : rebirth of the stubborn heiress

The morning sun bathed the University of Milan's sprawling campus in a golden glow. Students filtered through the main gates, their chatter filling the air—until the soft hum of an ultra-luxury Rolls-Royce pulling into the driveway silenced it.

Summer Bellani stepped out, dressed in a cream silk blouse tucked into a pair of tailored beige trousers, a matching designer trench coat casually draped over her shoulders.

Diamond studs gleamed from her ears, understated but impossible to ignore. Behind her trailed Rosa, arms full with a designer tote, her laptop, and a tray of iced coffee.

Whispers stirred.

"That's Summer Bellani..." "She's too perfect..." "Her family's loaded. Did you hear she's joining a survival show?"

Summer slipped her sunglasses down her nose, scanning the campus like royalty surveying her kingdom. "Rosa," she murmured, "remind me why I bother coming here again?"

Rosa chuckled. "To grace us mere mortals with your presence, obviously."

"Cheeky," Summer smiled slightly, striding forward.

Leaning against a blood-red Ferrari parked haphazardly across two spots was Enzo Mancini—heir to Mancini Shipping, equal parts menace and charm.

Clad in a crisp black jacket over a white shirt, a silver chain visible at his collar, his lazy grin widened as he caught sight of Summer.

"Bellani," he drawled, straightening. "Took you long enough. Campus was boring without my favorite person in the world ."

Summer didn't break stride. "Enzo. Still desperately seeking attention, I see."

He fell into step beside her. "Correction—seeking your attention. Big difference."

Rosa sighed, trailing behind the bickering pair like a long-suffering bodyguard.

"So..." Enzo shoved his hands into his pockets. "Rumor has it you signed up for Survive with the Stars. Didn't peg you for the outdoorsy type. What's next? Hunting wild boar in Louboutins?"

Summer smirked. "Please. The boars should be worried."

Students parted like the Red Sea as the two walked past. Enzo, ever the instigator, waved mockingly at a group of girls glaring daggers at Summer.

"Jealousy ages people, ladies," he called sweetly. "Careful."

"You're insufferable," Summer muttered, fighting a laugh.

"But lovable," he shot back.

They reached the central plaza where Adriana Visconti sat at the outdoor café, legs elegantly crossed, cappuccino in hand. A model of cool detachment wrapped in designer silk.

"Morning, drama queens," Adriana greeted without looking up from her tablet. "How's the chaos?"

"Alive and well," Summer slid into the chair opposite her. "Enzo's contributing generously."

Enzo dropped into the seat next to Summer, stretching. "So, ladies, guess what? I'm forming an exclusive hypercar club. Only heirs of companies worth over a billion allowed. Bellani, you in?"

Summer snorted. "What is this? Rich boys with too much free time Anonymous?"

Adriana smiled lazily. "Sounds like a therapy group for fragile egos."

Enzo clutched his chest dramatically. "Ouch. Brutal. But admit it—you'd look stunning next to my Ferrari."

Summer stirred her coffee. "I already do."

The banter flowed easily, laced with privilege, wit, and the sort of camaraderie only those born at the very top could understand.

As they chatted, Enzo's phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then whistled low. "Speaking of rich-people nonsense, anyone hear about that underground auction happening soon? Super hush-hush. Invite only. Word is, some rare stuff's going up—artifacts, heirloom pieces, shares in private companies."

Adriana arched a brow. "You just described every auction we go to."

Summer tilted her head, feigning disinterest. "Sounds illegal."

"Exactly my type of fun," Enzo grinned.

Rosa approached, handing Summer another tablet. "Young Miss, your schedule for next week. Also, there's an update related to the auction... guest list adjustment."

Summer accepted it smoothly, scanning the alert.

[Notification: New guest added to the Eclipse Auction. Status: Identity encrypted. Flagged as high risk.]

Her gaze sharpened. Interesting.

Adriana peeked over. "Business?"

Summer's lips curved lazily. "Always."

Enzo leaned closer. "You know... you're the most interesting person on this campus."

"Hmm they're not that many people comparableto me ," Summer replied without missing a beat.

As the noon bell chimed, signaling the next lecture, students scattered. Summer stood, adjusting her coat. "Come, Rosa. Let's remind the investment club why they exist."

Enzo watched her walk away, shaking his head with a grin. "Queen of the campus. Not even close to being dethroned."

And as Summer's heels clicked against the marble steps, her mind was already ten steps ahead—on encrypted guest lists, dangerous strangers, and a game that was only just beginning.